This is a column created especially for immigrants concerned or unsure of issues pertaining to the U.S. Immigration Law. The column will answer some of our readers’ frequently asked questions and provide responses from qualified immigration attorneys and advocates lobbying for the U.S. immigration cause.

Q: Can a half-sister sponsor a half-brother for a green card? The older sister is an American-born and the brother was born in Haiti. Both have the same father.

A: The U.S. immigration law defines “a sibling” as a “brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, or adopted brother or sister.” So based on that explanation, the answer is yes, you can sponsor your brother. Especially since you both have the same father. As the law states, “For the necessary sibling relationship to exist, each person must have been a child of at least one of the same parents.” Though, however, “the siblings need not share the same biological parents as long as both became “children” at the appropriate time (before the age of 16 in cases of adoption, and before the age of 18 for stepchildren).”

That said, there is a three-step process to your brother joining you here as a permanent resident, and under current laws, it could take about 10 years. The USCIS must approve an immigrant visa petition that you file ..._CBJ